articleNature CommunicationsMay 15, 2025GOLD OA

Globally interconnected solar-wind system addresses future electricity demands

Chinese Academy of Sciences · Institute of Geographic Sciences and Natural Resources Research · +6 more institutions

PubMed
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Abstract

Accelerating energy transition towards renewables is central to net-zero emissions. However, building a global power system dominated by solar and wind energy presents immense challenges. Here, we demonstrate the potential of a globally interconnected solar-wind system to meet future electricity demands. We estimate that such a system could generate ~3.1 times the projected 2050 global electricity demand. By optimizing solar-wind deployment, storage capacity, and trans-regional transmission, the solar-wind penetration could be achieved using only 29.4% of the highest potential, with a 15.6% reduction in initial investment compared to a strategy without interconnection. Global interconnection improves energy…

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